Have the radio players of my youth become extinct?

May 27, 2023 5:59 AM

I have an old boombox that's indicating it's operational days may be nearing an end. I'm having trouble finding a replacement - a smallish, internet-independent radio that fits my criteria; they all seem to be poor quality. I didn't think this would be so hard. Can you help?

Here's what I'm looking for in a replacement:
• Single unit analog FM radio (does not need/use the internet)
• Digital tuner (buttons programmable to a few stations would be nice)
• Good quality reception (really clear sound; static is intolerable)
• AC power
• Reasonably portable
• Built-in speakers

I might be willing to flex on having built-in speakers, but I prefer a single box for everything. I don't want separate components for the rest of the radioness.

I don't need audiophile levels of quality. I do need clear, unfuzzy sound.

If you don't have a specific recommendation, but know of resources that can help me find what I want, that would be helpful info also.

posted by interbeing to Shopping (19 answers total)

How about the Tivoli Model One?
posted by chesty_a_arthur at 6:09 AM on May 27, 2023 [2 favorites]

Concurring with Tivoli suggestion. Bought a Tivoli Pal some years ago for the battery function in case of power outage. It’s been faithful as a radio with antenna. Very occasionally use the bluetooth function. Look through the Tivoli models to see which attributes feel right? https://tivoliaudio.com/collections/sale-promotions/products/pal-bt-bluetooth-am-fm-portable-radio
posted by xaryts at 6:15 AM on May 27, 2023

I also like Tivoli, but Sangean (if you don't like that one, they have others) and C.Crane are other options.
posted by box at 6:17 AM on May 27, 2023 [3 favorites]

Aside from a digital tuner, this describes the Tivoli Model One. I’ve been very happy with mine, they’re well-made and sound good. They do have a model with a digital tuner, the Music System, but it’s at a much higher price point.
posted by Jawn at 6:18 AM on May 27, 2023

I'd recommend something from Revo, either the Superconnect or the SuperSignal. We have 3 Superconnects in our home, they are fantastic all-rounders, I suspect the SuperSignal might better fit your use case.
posted by spbb at 6:40 AM on May 27, 2023

Consider building one from a kit? You might have to do some Googling/review reading if you want to be absolutely sure there's no static, but these are probably pretty good since technology has progressed.

These look like small, easy kits, but you can try a simpler one if you want to perfect your soldering technique first.

There are no-solder kits, but the one I looked at didn't have a case - it was made by Snap Circuits.
posted by amtho at 7:12 AM on May 27, 2023

We have a Sangean tuner that fits your requirements except it's only a tuner. We've been really happy with it.
posted by fiercekitten at 7:52 AM on May 27, 2023

I have both the recommended Tivoli and the Sangean. I prefer the Sangean. I don't know if the newer versions of the Tivoli have fixed this problem but mine has a bad tuner drift caused by the lubricant in the dial settling due to gravity. The fix is easy enough (you vigorously twist the dial for a few minutes) but it tends to be only a temporary fix. It does have a remarkably good sound though which is why I keep it around.
posted by Ashwagandha at 8:00 AM on May 27, 2023 [1 favorite]

Tecsun makes a shortwave radio (immaterial) that has a terrific fm tuner, can auto program channels from scanning, has digital memories and digital keypad for direct input tuning, runs off an 18650 battery for eons which xhrages inside the radio. It sounds really surprisingly surprisingly good for it's size, and is now like $180. That's a premium but it's a $400 radio now for less than 200. It's terrific. A somewhat enthusiast radio but an actual joy to play with. Sangean makes something very similar called a 990x or something that's a little harder to use and costs more, and to my ear doesn't sound as pleasant, but is otherwise equivalent.
posted by chasles at 8:00 AM on May 27, 2023

You are right in that most modern radios are garbage. Few company’s bother building a decent receiver anymore. Your best bet is probably to get something from Tecsun, Sangean, or C. Crane.
posted by fimbulvetr at 8:01 AM on May 27, 2023 [1 favorite]

Another vote for Sangean; I've found their small radios quite satisfactory in recent years.
posted by Rash at 8:08 AM on May 27, 2023 [1 favorite]

I trust RadioJayAllen’s reviews and have used them to decide on what vintage and new radio gear to buy.
posted by fimbulvetr at 8:16 AM on May 27, 2023 [3 favorites]

I've had two Tivoli Ones that experienced the tuner drift mentioned by Ashwagandha within 1-2 years of purchase, so I don't recommend them. In the last 6 months I've had a new need for a radio with specs similar to yours, and I'm leaning toward a Sangean, probably the WR-22. That has a digital tuner, though -- I think the "SG" line is the analog version, although you don't get presets with the analog radios. (The Sangean site rarely loads for me and it doesn't have an overall description of the major differences between the product lines, so I narrowed it to those two after much frustration. B&H is much better at quickly spelling out the features of each model.)
posted by cocoagirl at 8:17 AM on May 27, 2023 [1 favorite]

Check out the ”FM portable mega shootout” which was updated for 2023.
posted by fimbulvetr at 8:19 AM on May 27, 2023 [4 favorites]

You can also look for new old stock boom boxes from the 90s on eBay.
posted by rockindata at 10:30 AM on May 27, 2023 [1 favorite]

You might find one at a pawn shop.
posted by Enid Lareg at 11:08 AM on May 27, 2023

I really like Kaito radios. I have this one, and I get good, clear sound out of it, in both AM and FM. The FM is in stereo, even!

Bonus: You can use it in an emergency, though I primarily use it to listen to music while I study.

Kaito Emergency Radio Voyager Max KA900 Digital Solar Dynamo Crank AM/FM/SW & NOAA Weather Stereo Radio Receiver with Bluetooth, Real-time Alert, MP3 Player, Recorder & Phone Charger


You might have to buy a separate AC adapter for it; I can't remember if it came with one or not.
posted by spinifex23 at 11:51 PM on May 27, 2023

Thrift stores generally have a ton of them.
posted by gt2 at 8:40 AM on May 28, 2023 [1 favorite]

Inspired by this thread I picked up a Sangean WR-22 that cocoagirl noted in their comment. It is used to mostly play NPR, and the spouse can easily use the Bluetooth. It sounds great, loud even, and it’s much nicer than the small 2 speaker ‘stereo’ thing it replaced.

In terms of answering the OP - if you don’t need Bluetooth there is a sibling unit without for a bit less, and another with digital radio tuner that gets the extra digital stations, just like a new car radio. But that one is lots more. The tuning on this Sangean is the nicest I’ve ever used, and reception was great on the included antenna. I have a longer whip/ wire style antenna that I am using because it lives next to the fridge. Even when it is off it still has some lighting on - it’s not as bright as the microwave, or even 1/10 the coffee maker, and it is a rarity in that it’s an actual improvement. When it’s on there is information that scrolls across the screen, which looks a bit off, but not so much I dug out the manual to sort out turning it off. In fact I have never looked at the manual. I got mine used off eBay for about 60 usd including shipping.
posted by zenon at 8:31 AM on August 15, 2023